The rising cost of living can make essential utilities like electricity and gas increasingly difficult to afford. For eligible households in California, the CARE program offers crucial financial relief by providing significant discounts on monthly energy bills. This initiative ensures that low-income customers can maintain access to essential energy services, promoting both household stability and community well-being.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program, or California Alternate Rates for Energy program, is a state-mandated initiative designed to assist low-income households with their energy expenses. Participating customers receive a substantial discount on their utility bills, specifically 30-35 percent off electric bills and 20 percent off natural gas bills. This discount can significantly lower monthly expenses, freeing up household budgets for other necessities.
This financial assistance is made possible through a rate surcharge applied to other utility customers, ensuring the sustainability of the program and its continued support for vulnerable communities. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates the utilities involved in the CARE program, ensuring fair practices and program oversight.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program? Income Guidelines and Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program sets income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper limits are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies households for CARE. These programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
This broad eligibility criteria ensures that the CARE program reaches a wide spectrum of low-income households across California.
How to Apply for the CARE Program and Access Assistance
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and gather detailed information about the program directly from them.
Many utility companies also provide online resources and application portals through their websites, making the process even more accessible. Below is a table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers participating in the CARE program:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
In addition to contacting your utility, application assistance may also be available through community agencies in your area.
Explore Further Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
If your household income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth investigating the FERA program to see if you qualify for this additional support.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the CARE Program for Energy Savings
The CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, providing substantial discounts on energy bills and helping to make essential services more affordable. If you believe you may be eligible for the CARE program or the FERA program, reach out to your utility company today to learn more and begin the application process. Taking advantage of these programs can lead to significant savings and greater financial stability for your household.
